If you’ve been diving into Forza Horizon 6, you already know that the map's rendition of Japan is an absolute dream for virtual photographers. But nothing beats the map when spring rolls around and the cherry blossoms (sakura) come out in full bloom. The contrast of high-performance paint jobs against those soft pink petals makes for some incredible shots.

Whether you are looking to capture a clean stance build or a high-speed drift angle, here are the absolute best cherry blossom spots on the map you need to hit up, along with a few camera settings to make your shots pop.

The Best Photo Spots on the Map

Nachi Falls Temple Route

This is the ultimate postcard shot. If you head down this route, you can position your car perfectly to frame a historic pagoda, a massive waterfall, and overhanging pink blossoms all in a single frame. It’s great for older classics or clean, understated builds that match the traditional vibe.

The Kyoto Old Town District

For a more urban, street-style aesthetic, head into Kyoto's Old Town. The narrow streets and dark, traditional wooden architecture offer a perfect moody contrast to the bright pink petals scattered across the pavement. It’s an awesome spot for close-up detail shots or capturing a low-slung JDM legend tucked away in an alley.

Mount Fuji Foothill Loops

If you prefer action shots over static ones, the foothill loops around Mount Fuji are your best bet. You can link together some massive drift angles through sweeping corners lined with blooming trees, all while keeping the massive, snow-capped peak of Fuji in the background.

The Central Festival Avenue

Don't pack the camera away when the sun goes down. Central Festival Avenue gets packed with heavy, thick canopies of cherry blossoms that look amazing during the day, but they truly shine at night. The festival lights illuminate the flowers from underneath, making it the premier spot on the map for night photography and neon-lit cruise shots.

Lake Kawaguchi Waterfront

For anyone who loves clean lines and dramatic lighting, head to the waterfront at Lake Kawaguchi. If you line your car up near the edge during sunrise or sunset, you can use the dead-calm water to get a perfect mirror reflection of your car, the trees, and the sky.

A Few Photo Mode Tips for Spring Shots

Getting the location right is only half the battle. To really elevate your screenshots from basic game clips to realistic photos, try tweaking these settings next time you pull up the photo menu:

• Double-check the season: It sounds obvious, but make sure the map rotation is actually set to Spring. If you're playing offline or want to shoot right now, you can always use a custom Blueprint event to force the weather and time of day you need.

• Dial in your shutter speed: If your car is moving, don't just take a static snap. Lower your shutter speed in the photo settings. This will introduce motion blur to the wheels and the background, making the car look like it's actually flying past the trees while keeping the bodywork sharp.

• Play with the aperture: If you want that professional DSLR look, bump up the aperture setting. This creates a soft, creamy background blur (called bokeh) that helps separate your car from the busy branches and makes the vehicle the undeniable star of the shot.

• Watch the clock: Midday sun can make the game look a bit flat and washed out. Try shooting during Golden Hour—right as the sun is coming up or going down. The warm, angled light catches the pink petals beautifully and gives the entire scene a much more natural, cinematic glow.